Bar Louie to open at Geneva Commons

GENEVA – Geneva Commons soon will land another nationally recognized bar and eatery.

Bar Louie, a Texas-based chain of urban bars, is expected to open one of its newest locations at the former location of Red Star Tavern at 1602 Commons Drive, in the Geneva Commons shopping center along Randall Road.

The Geneva City Council granted Bar Louie a liquor license for the new location during Monday’s city council meeting.

Representatives of Bar Louie did not return calls for comment, and have not publicly announced when they might open their new bar and restaurant. But the company indicated on its website and in advertisements that it has begun hiring for the Geneva location.

Ellen Divita, economic development director for the city of Geneva, said the city welcomes the chain’s arrival in the city.

The former Red Star location has been vacant since the Geneva Red Star closed in 2009.

“We’re glad to have them [Bar Louie] coming in,” Divita said. “They are very popular and a nice destination.”

She said Bar Louie has submitted building plans to the city to renovate the restaurant space.

Bar Louie currently operates a dozen locations in the Chicago area in Illinois, including locations in Naperville, Bolingbrook and Oak Brook.

Bar Louie’s menu includes a large assortment of drinks and cocktails, and a variety of American food items, including appetizers, salads, entrees, sandwiches and dessert items.